To contain the high rate of road accidents in Gowon Estate, some philanthropists on Sunday rose in support of the Community Development Association (CDA) by constructing Speed Breakers to stem accidents.
The group, under the ageis of “Elders Corner Forum’’, embarked on the construction of speed breakers on 41 Road, a major access road in the estate.
In the last five years, accidents resulting from speeding by motorists, commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists have led to the death of many residents, with others maimed.
Motorists have turned 41 road into a platform for Formula 1 car racing, a dangerous situation that has caused worries to residents.
Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the Forum, Mr Peter Ejiofor, said that members could no longer watch people being maimed through reckless driving.
Ejiofor said that the project was purely funded through donations by members of the Forum in collaboration with Gowon Estate CDA North, but did not disclose the project’s cost.
“I want to emphasis that the phase 2 of the project will commence by January ending. The Forum will as well look at other areas that need attention and contribute meaningfully.
“I also want to use this opportunity to encourage other groups and residents to emulate this gesture by the Forum and contribute to the community’s development,’’ he said.
Ejiofor, however, appealed to motorists, commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators to respect the sanctity of life by not engaging in reckless driving.
Cutting the tape to declare the road usable, the Chairman of the CDA, Alhaji Dauda Oyebanji, commended the Forum for initiating such a lifesaving project.
Oyebanji, represented by the CDA’s Secretary, Mr John Adejoro said: “What you have done today will in no small measure impact on the lives of residents of this estate.
“The CDA will always collaborate with you on the noble ideas for the development of our community initiated by you,’’ he said.
Some residents applauded the Forum for the initiative, which they said, was life-saving, adding that their minds could now be at rest when young ones were sent on errands.
Mrs Uche Onah, a shop owner along 41 Road was delighted that some people still had the safety of others at heart.
The members of the Elders Corner Forum who witnessed the inauguration included Mr Aminu Sanda, Ebitu Ukaiwe, Alhaji Lawan Baba and Mr Stanley Omokhomion.
